Jedi Council Forums - Beyond Dreams (sequel to "The Lives of Dreaming"

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Author	Topic: Beyond Dreams (sequel to "The Lives of Dreaming" - L/M vignette)
obaona Registered: Jun '02	Date Posted: 9/11/04 4:20am Subject: Beyond Dreams (sequel to "The Lives of Dreaming" - L/M vignette) - Date Edited: 9/11/04 4:21am (1 edits total) Edited By: obaona
	Thanks for clicking. Title: Beyond Dreams Summary: And a little after . . . it's decision time. A/N: Thanks to Gabri for beta'ing. You're a sweetheart. This is the last in my semi-trilogy, at least most likely. In order, it's Just Dreaming, The Lives of Dreaming, and then this. Please read those first. Cover art. I hope you enjoy, and as always, feedback is appreciated and adored. Life had never been what Mara Jade expected. Through the routine of her life in training, it all changed quickly, with each new teacher, each new task and the ever present uncertainty of failing. Through being the Emperor’s Hand – and losing it all. Through being Mara Jade, who worked her way up through Karrde’s organization. Though being the Mara that fell in love with Luke Skywalker . . . and losing that, too. She could say with some pride that she had gotten through all those things intact – just barely, with the last. She had it again. That’s why. The kiss had been gentle. Gentle, as Luke so often was. She remembered when he was fierce, and that would come in time, but gentleness . . . she loved that, too. She felt precious in his hands. It had been their first kiss. Well, not the first. But the first in this new thing they were moving towards. Divorce seemed so final, but Mara had been given a second chance. They both had. They had realized their mistakes, and were willing to work through them. Even though for months Luke had only been Mara’s teacher, he was already learning from her, and she from him, their different natures. Mara breezed through the jungle with ease. At first it had thwarted her, the thick vines unexpectedly stopping her progress – not to mention making noise. Mara had been trained to be silent, and it was a skill she was proud of. Luke had at first questioned her overwhelming desire – maybe drive was a better word – in conquering the jungle, but after a few glares and pointed remarks he dropped it. Maybe that was that understanding thing going on. “Mara!” Mara stopped. Talon Karrde was wading his way through the jungle, towards her. Her eyes widened with surprise – she had not known he was coming to Yavin – then she went back to meet him. “Karrde,” she said with a nod. “What brings you here?” “I've been calling you for a few minutes,” he said wryly. “I wanted to talk to you about something.” Mara felt herself blush. “Oh.” She shook that off. “What is it?” Karrde studied her for a moment. “Your position – I’ve found someone to fill it. Now the only question is if I will.” Mara paused, mentally and physically. Her position – she had never completely left it, even when married to Luke. When she came to Yavin IV, she went on extended leave – probably also leaving Karrde in something of a lurch. She was training as a Jedi. How committed was she to that? To give up her way out? And Luke. Force, Luke. He’d be understanding if she kept it, if she left and came back . . . at least for appearance's sake. But the truth was, her calling was not to be a smuggler. She knew that. What kind of step was she willing to take? Luke had asked her if she was committed and ready, and she had said yes. And she would be leaving Luke. If she came back, even briefly, that’s what would happen. The answer was simple enough. “Give it to the person. I’m sure you chose well,” Mara said simply. Dedication. More than what was in the dream. She felt something heavy and comforting settle inside of her. Karrde hesitated. “You will be missed,” he said with a regal nod. “You’ll miss my ability to take care of things myself,” Mara retorted with a smile. “That I will.” “Do you want to go back to the Temple with me?” Mara suggested. “We have dinner in about an hour.” Karrde shook his head. “No, that’s all right.” Mara nodded slowly. “I’ll walk you back.” ~~~ Luke was meditating when he felt Mara approach. She had left only an hour ago, and was usually gone for two on her walks. He remembered when she first started those walks how frustrated she would get that she could not move silently. For all that her training had prepared her for, it just didn’t happen to cover the peculiar nature of Yavin IV’s jungle, and she had been determined to feel comfortable in it. At first, Luke hadn’t understood. How did one feel comfortable in a place? For Mara, that meant knowing it completely. They had fought over that a bit, before they both reminded themselves of years before; Mara had tried to explain why she had to do things that way, and Luke hadn’t even let her get that far, just apologized. Come to think of it, that was the first time since the divorce they had laughed together – and not been hiding from the past. “Master Skywalker?” Luke opened his eyes. He wasn’t in a private place, so the students were free to interrupt this meditation, but it was Tionne who was talking to him this time. “Yes?” “Talon Karrde was here briefly. He left before I even knew he was here, but I thought you would want to know,” Tionne said. Luke nodded after a moment. “Thank you.” Tionne smiled, and disappeared as silently as she had arrived. Luke looked after her for a minute. Tionne and the other students had somehow appointed themselves counselors and support personnel for both Luke and Mara, alternating between gossiping and offering advice. Leia had done her best to do the same since learning of Mara’s staying on Yavin, and even Han had gotten into the act – most reluctantly. Still. Karrde. He had probably spoken with Mara. Luke was aware she hadn’t entirely quit her position as Karrde’s second in command, nor her trader contracts, but hadn’t commented on it. That Tionne hadn’t mentioned Mara leaving with Karrde was . . . something. He took a deep breath. “Luke?” Luke twisted around. Mara walked fully of the jungle, smiling. Little leaves were stuck in her hair, not twisted in, but as if they had gently settled there. She moved with all the grace he knew her to have – and speed. Within moments, she was up to him, and not even waiting for him to rise, she took his head between her hands and kissed him. Deeply. No gentle kiss, this. “Hi,” she whispered. Luke just exhaled. “Karrde replaced his second in command,” Mara murmured, sitting beside him on the flat rock. “Permanently?” Luke said, slightly unsure. “What do you think?” she retorted. Luke closed his eyes, knew her commitment, loved her, knew her, and then laughed. [finis] -----signature----- MS Word is designed by sadists with masochists in mind. - teh atty my recent Atton (KOTOR2) fic: http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/30335989
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Jedikma Registered: Feb '04	Date Posted: 9/11/04 5:25am Subject: RE: Beyond Dreams (sequel to "The Lives of Dreaming" - L/M vignette)
	This was wonderful. I like the way they both are learning to take their time trying not to repeat past mistakes. -----signature----- Twice in a Lifetime 7/31 http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/16813029 A Quiet Afternoon http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/23305946 follow up vig to: A New Order http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/17525231
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Jedi-2B Registered: Nov '00	Date Posted: 9/11/04 5:38am Subject: RE: Beyond Dreams (sequel to "The Lives of Dreaming" - L/M vignette)
	What a wonderful post to wake up to! Such a sweet, hoped-for ending to this trilogy. Great job, oba. -----signature----- It was on her fifteenth day in the darkness of the Nirauan cave when Mara Jade awoke to discover a rescuer had finally arrived. It was not, however, any of the potential rescuers she would have expected. It was Luke. ~~And the rest is history~~
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StarFighter5 Registered: Jul '03	Date Posted: 9/11/04 7:52am Subject: RE: Beyond Dreams (sequel to "The Lives of Dreaming" - L/M vignette)
	That was so cute. A perfect way to wrap up the trilogy. -----signature----- "I hope I slept with you to get the job. if not, then who the hell was that guy?" - Carrie Fisher "Now that I'm a pez and a lego, I shall want for nothing else." -Jeremy Bulloch "Thank you for going to the movies. Especially mine." - George Lucas
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Mike-Sunrider Registered: Oct '03	Date Posted: 9/11/04 8:03am Subject: RE: Beyond Dreams (sequel to "The Lives of Dreaming" - L/M vignette)
	I havent read the first two parts, but I love this one. Lovely written Is going to read the others now -----signature----- ~~My Fics~~ Check bio for more. Order of the Alliance (Ben Skywalker) : http://boards.theforce.net/Beyond_the_Saga/b10477/20169930/ Disposable Heroes (Clone Vignette) : http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/19345408/
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jedi7 Registered: Jan '02	Date Posted: 9/11/04 10:30am Subject: RE: Beyond Dreams (sequel to "The Lives of Dreaming" - L/M vignette)
	Obaona, your great, and that trilogy was wonderful. 7
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Bri_Windstar Registered: May '02	Date Posted: 9/11/04 11:46am Subject: RE: Beyond Dreams (sequel to "The Lives of Dreaming" - L/M vignette)
	Awwwwwww That was, i dunno, succinct. Which is a good thing. It worked for this story. There was no drawing it out, just it is what it is, and i liked that. -----signature----- Mediocrity- it takes a lot less time and most people won't notice the difference before it's too late. * OMG! SO RIDICULOUSLY AND AGGRAVATINGLY PERFECT!- Gabri * 11010110101000101011
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obaona Registered: Jun '02	Date Posted: 9/11/04 1:29pm Subject: RE: Beyond Dreams (sequel to "The Lives of Dreaming" - L/M vignette)
	Jedikma: Thank you. I figured that would be the next step. Jedi-2B: Hehe, thanks. Yeah, I imagine it was hoped for, with my reputation and how 'Just Dreaming' ended. StarFighter5: Thanks! I'm glad you think it's a fitting end. Mike-Sunrider: Thank you. This will make more sense if you read the others - you'd probably get more out of it. jedi7: Thanks. Bri: That's kind of what I was going for - I'm glad it works. It just didn't want to be long or drawn out, just matter-of-fact. Thank you. -----signature----- MS Word is designed by sadists with masochists in mind. - teh atty my recent Atton (KOTOR2) fic: http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/30335989
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green_eyes Registered: Apr '04	Date Posted: 9/11/04 2:33pm Subject: RE: Beyond Dreams (sequel to "The Lives of Dreaming" - L/M vignette)
	Wonderful. I was hating having them divorced, but this made it all work out. Mara had to make a choice and a commitment. As long as she still had her position with Talon, she was never fully committed to being a Jedi, or to Luke. When she let go of that position, she was able to give Luke what he so despirately wanted. What a wonderful twist to our favorite couple. Thanks for the happy ending. green_eyes
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LaYa_ Registered: Jul '03	Date Posted: 9/11/04 2:34pm Subject: RE: Beyond Dreams (sequel to "The Lives of Dreaming" - L/M vignette)
	Lovely viggie -----signature----- The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
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vader_incarnate Registered: Jul '02	Date Posted: 9/11/04 4:25pm Subject: RE: Beyond Dreams (sequel to "The Lives of Dreaming" - L/M vignette) - Date Edited: 9/11/04 4:29pm (2 edits total) Edited By: vader_incarnate
	You know, "fangirl" is considered a verb in the Harry Potter fandom -- I'm not sure why, but it seems to be oddly appropriate at times. fangirls you I enjoyed the fic, the getting-to-know-you part that they skipped over in the traditional EU. Zahn is a magnificent author, plotwise and otherwise, but little things like this were seldom touched. hugs you I like the tone you have going. It's dreamlike and realistic at the same time -- if that makes sense -- and gives just the right feeling of wistfulness in the story that just makes Elli smile. “Hi,” she whispered. Luke just exhaled. The simplicity of those two sentences make me melt -- I'm not sure why, but they make me very happy. If I was psychoanalyzing myself, I'd say it has something to do with the fact that it's so different from what I usually write (for kisses, at least) and what I usually see ... anyway, those six words make me a happy Elli. Luke closed his eyes, knew her commitment, loved her, knew her, and then laughed. Rather random -- and totally tactless -- to mention this, but I saw the word "knew" and thought about it in the biblical sense, probably because I'm squealing at the sweetness ... yes, that was random. But I'm honestly random, so I hope you love me anyway. EDIT: Ooh look, I left a semi-long comment. happy accomplisment dance -----signature----- La sang et le vin ont la meme couleur. I think, therefore I am. I dream, therefore I become. Zelré, Handmaiden of the Crest
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obaona Registered: Jun '02	Date Posted: 9/11/04 8:23pm Subject: RE: Beyond Dreams (sequel to "The Lives of Dreaming" - L/M vignette)
	green_eyes: Well, you were meant to hate it. And yes, exactly. What you said. Mara had to let go of her way out, otherwise she was just fooling herself into thinking she was truly committed to this path. Thank you! LaYa_: Thanks. Elli: I didn't know that. So . . . fangirling me means . . . I hesitate to ask, but thank you anyway. The fact that things like this were so little touched upon (I mean, we all like action, but sometimes it's to the expense of character development) makes writing it in fanfic so much fun. It's freeing not knowing things, in a way. Dreamlike and realistic? I see I've managed to be contradictory - that's a good thing, right? Aww, you like those lines? Gabri liked them, too, as I recall. I'm glad I made a happy Elli - especially with six words. I see your experience with tactlessness is not just imagined but very real! Just teasing. Of course I love you anyway. I'm glad you liked it, dearest. And yes, you left a long comment! And semi-coherent is better than incoherent. Thank you. -----signature----- MS Word is designed by sadists with masochists in mind. - teh atty my recent Atton (KOTOR2) fic: http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/30335989
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RebelMom Title: TFF Secretary Registered: Apr '00	Date Posted: 9/11/04 10:54pm Subject: RE: Beyond Dreams (sequel to "The Lives of Dreaming" - L/M vignette)
	Gotta love those happy endings. -----signature----- Short Story: Pressure Point http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/26961243/p1/?7 Jacen Solo and Anakin Skywalker - as it should have been. TFF: Cheryl
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Jedi Trace Title: • SouthEast RSA • FanFiction Manager Registered: Dec '99	Date Posted: 9/12/04 10:24am Subject: RE: Beyond Dreams (sequel to "The Lives of Dreaming" - L/M vignette)
	Such a lovely and appropriate end for this series. happy sigh -----signature----- "Luke Skywalker kicks ass. Next question." - Tom Taylor "Sometimes bad guys are the only good guys you get." - Leverage
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obaona Registered: Jun '02	Date Posted: 9/12/04 3:30pm Subject: RE: Beyond Dreams (sequel to "The Lives of Dreaming" - L/M vignette)
	RebelMom: Of course! Thank you. Jedi Trace: No pleading for a sequel! pleased author I'm glad it's a fitting end. Thank you. -----signature----- MS Word is designed by sadists with masochists in mind. - teh atty my recent Atton (KOTOR2) fic: http://boards.theforce.net/before_the_saga/b10475/30335989
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TheCrazyRodian Registered: Mar '04	Date Posted: 9/13/04 7:56pm Subject: RE: Beyond Dreams (sequel to "The Lives of Dreaming" - L/M vignette)
	In the words and mannerisms of my newest hero, Napoleon Dynamite, "Yesss." I like your sleeves, Oba... I mean, I like your stories. This trilogy was nice, and that last kiss was pretty hot, I have to admit. Made me wish I was a certain Jedi Master. Let me just say one more time that you are a wonderful writer. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in the individual vignettes that I fail to consider your work as a whole, but I have to say that I consider you to be one of the most versatile and original writers on these boards. You manage to write perspectives on love, pain, duty, etc., that are very often overlooked or underrepresented. Every time I read one or three or seven of your vignettes (they're like those little white chocolate chip cookies from CostCo; I can't have just one), I end up smiling because my mind is roused from its lethargy. So never lose confidence in your writing--you'll still have one fan who enjoys it, and who enjoys it thoroughly. -----signature----- My body wears a green scent, as on the verge Between green laughter and green sorrow I have walked all day Until my legs have gone lame, and still the spring seems spirited away. --Yi Sanghwa
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